The completion of the Saddle Creek Retention Treatment Basin (SCRTB) represents a pivotal achievement in Omaha's Clean Solutions Omaha (CSO) program, which is mandated to address the environmental challenges posed by combined sewer overflows. Situated near UNO's Baxter Arena, this treatment facility will process storm and wastewater from a significant area of the city, ultimately discharging treated water into the Papillion Creek and Missouri River. Historically, Omaha faced 50-60 untreated sewer overflows annually, but this new facility stands to greatly diminish those figures, thereby reducing the prevalence of harmful E. coli bacteria. The CSO program, which has a total budget of $2.

1 billion, has already seen $1 billion allocated as the city works toward a 2037 completion deadline. Mayor Jean Stothert emphasized that this project is the most crucial element in the long-term control plan aimed at improving water quality. Operational testing is slated to commence in October, with plans for an additional treatment basin to be established in northeast Omaha. The Saddle Creek project, costing an estimated $93. 5 million, is the most expensive public works construction project in the city's history.

This initiative underscores Omaha's commitment to enhancing its environmental standards and safeguarding local waterways.